Abu Naser Muhammad Rahmatullah, a member of BNP’s National Executive Committee, stated that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was the pioneer of state reforms in Bangladesh.

On Sunday (June 1), during the third day of a four-day program marking the 44th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman in Barishal’s Ward 25, Shayestabad, and Tungibari Union of Sadar Upazila, Rahmatullah delivered this message as the chief guest at separate discussion meetings, prayer gatherings, and distribution of offerings.

Rahmatullah highlighted that Shaheed Zia introduced multiparty democracy, ensured freedom of the media, and revitalized the fragile economy, thereby transforming Bangladesh into a self-reliant state through comprehensive state reforms. He noted that prior governments had pushed the country into a deep crisis.

He added that constitutional rights, voting rights, political rights, and even religious freedoms had been violated, undermining the aspirations of the Liberation War. Shaheed Zia rescued the people from this crisis.

Expressing concern over the current government, Rahmatullah said that the interim government’s so-called reforms over the past nine and a half months have disappointed the people. The aspirations for the 2024 mass uprising have not been realized due to the government’s inexperience and lack of effective leadership.

The event at Ward 25 was presided over by Haji Daiyan Ishti, Joint General Secretary of the city’s student wing, with Yusuf Ali Bappi, city student leader, as the moderator. Other attendees included city BNP member Zahidur Rahman Ripon, volunteer wing Joint Convener Milan Chowdhury, student wing Vice President Obaidur Rahman Uzzal, and Secretary of the City Freedom Forum Nazmus Sakib.

At Shayestabad Union, the program was chaired by BNP leader Hemayet Hossain Murad and moderated by district student wing Vice President Ilias Ahmed. Acting Chairman Samsul Kabir Farhad and district student wing Vice President Asif Al Mamun were also present.

In Tungibari Union, the program was presided over by BNP Joint Convener Anwar Hossain Mridha and jointly moderated by student leaders KM Monir and Zahidul Islam Shakil, along with other union leaders and activists.